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Q: Are sugar substitutes used in diet soft drinks and low calorie beverages safe?

A: Sugar substitutes are completely safe. In fact, numerous studies validate their safety. They have obtained approval from regulatory agencies around the world, including the World Health Organization, Health Canada, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as safe for use in foods and beverages. Furthermore, a recent literature review of the low-calorie sweetener aspartame by an expert panel including some of the world's leading toxicologists also evaluated the ingredient's safety at current levels of consumption and once again confirmed that it is safe.

Q: Do sugar substitutes in any way increase the risk of cancer?

A: No. Low-calorie sweeteners in beverages have undergone extensive scientific reviews for safety by the FDA. In fact, numerous credible scientific bodies, such as FDA , EFSA and Health Canada, have declared sugar substitutes safe for human consumption. For example, in 2007 FDA re-affirmed its position on the safety of aspartame, stating, "Considering results from the large number of studies on aspartame's safety, including five previously conducted negative chronic carcinogenicity studies, a recently reported large epidemiology study with negative associations between the use of aspartame and the occurrence of tumors, and negative findings from a series of three transgenic mouse assays, FDA finds no reason to alter its previous conclusion that aspartame is safe as a general purpose sweetener in food."

Q: Do diet soft drinks and other foods containing sugar substitutes help people control their weight?

A: The American Diabetes Association says choosing diet drinks is a useful way to make healthful food choices for your family. Low-calorie sweeteners can be found in a variety of food and beverage products including yogurt, gum, baked goods and breakfast bars. It comes down to balancing calories consumed with calories burned, and low-calorie sweeteners can be an aid to controlling calories consumed.

Q: Can pregnant women consumer diet soft drinks or other beverages containing low calorie sweeteners?

A: Studies suggest, when used in acceptable daily intakes, sugar substitutes are safe for consumption during pregnancy; however, it is always a good idea to seek the advice of a physician or other health professional to ensure that dietary plans meet individual health needs.

Q: Can children consume diet soft drinks or other beverages containing low calorie sweeteners?

A: Yes. Low-calorie sweeteners underwent extensive testing before they were approved by the government. Results showed that low-calorie sweeteners are safe for everyone, including children and pregnant women.

Q: Can people with diabetes consume products with sugar substitutes?

A: Yes. The American Diabetes Association affirms that diet soft drinks can be a refreshing beverage option for those with diabetes to control sugar intake but not sacrifice the taste of their favorite beverages. Research also shows that sugar substitutes have no affect on short- or long-term blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Low-calorie sweeteners provide an acceptable sugar substitute to help people effectively manage their disease while maintaining food taste and texture. In fact, the Canadian Diabetes Association states that "When used in moderation as part of a healthy and well balanced diet, sugar substitutes can contribute to the enjoyment of eating."

Q: Does drinking beverages that contain sugar substitutes fail to make you feel full? Do they actually make you gain weight?

A: No. Research with human subjects has proved that there is no difference in satiety between a liquid and a solid with the same calories. In fact, low-calorie sweeteners have been shown to reduce and not increase appetite and food cravings. Further, diet beverages can help you reduce calories or sugar intake and be a catalyst for a healthy lifestyle. It is a giant stretch to suggest beverages with zero calories contribute to weight gain. Despite media coverage suggesting otherwise, the overwhelming body of scientific evidence supports that low-calorie sweeteners can help reduce calories and maintain a healthy weight. In fact, a recent review in Nutrition Bulletin showed that using foods and drinks sweetened with the low-calorie sweetener aspartame-instead of those sweetened with sucrose-is an effective way to maintain and lose weight.

Link to Health Canada's fact sheet on Aspartame and Non-nutritive sweeteners

Links to the Canadian Diabetes Association